On the doorstep of the 2022 baseball season, teams from all over Section I are getting some last-minute work in to prepare for the upcoming campaign. On Saturday, March 26, the Harrison Huskies found themselves in just such a position, taking on Class AA Mamaroneck in a double-header scrimmage. According to Harrison head coach Marco DiRuocco, Saturday’s strong showing against the Tigers was a positive sign, although there is still much work to be done before Harrison will begin to play to its capability.

For the Huskies, taking on perennial large-school powerhouse Mamaroneck in the early goings of the season is a a surefire way to ensure that the team will be ready for a grueling regular season schedule.

“Every year, we love playing Mamaroneck and coach [Mike] Chiapparelli, they’re one of the best programs in the state and when you’re going up against a program like that, you can really work on things and see where you are,” said DiRuocco. “Saturday was a great example of that; it was one of our best outings overall and we really got a lot of work in.”

Harrison comes into the 2022 season with high hopes, following a 2021 campaign that saw them record several impressive victories before ultimately falling to Somers in the first round of the Class A tournament. With five returning starters—Jake Quigley, Cal McCarthy, Luke Burden, Jared Summer and Alex Homem—Harrison has plenty of experience on the diamond, but will need to rely on contributions from up and down the lineup if they hope to be a true contender this year. 

“We’re not going to be built around one guy, we’re really going to have to be a true team,” explained DiRuocco. “That means we’ve got to have situational hitting, we’ve got to throw strikes on the mound and play solid defense in order to win games.”

Burden and McCarthy will likely anchor the pitching staff, but DiRuocco is hoping to flesh out the rotation with hurlers looking to establish themselves as difference-makers on the varsity level. 

“Evan Wilkins is a guy who didn’t get a ton of time last year, but we’re expecting big things from him,” said DiRuocco. “We think he’s got a shot to be an impact player for us.”

Private school transfers Anthony Engongoro and Raffaele Greco should also bolster the Huskies’ lineup, as will sophomore call-up Marco Citro, who shined as the quarterback on Harrison’s football team last fall. 

Those players’ ability to contribute will be important, especially given the depth of Harrison’s league. With multiple games against playoff mainstays like Eastchester and Rye on the docket, the Huskies know that each league contest promises to be a true battle.

“It’s one of the most difficult leagues in Section I and that always pays off for us at the end of the year,” said DiRuocco. “We have our hands full, but we’re ready for the challenge.”

The Huskies open their season at Tappan Zee on March 30, after press time. They will face their first league test on April 2 at Sleepy Hollow. 

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